Does CKPL charge fines?

Yes, overdue fines are charged for items that are not returned on or before the due date. Overdue fines as an incentive for returning items on time so that they are available for other patrons. If an item is lost or damaged, a replacement charge will be added to your account.

How do I avoid late fees?

The best way to avoid late fees is to stay on top of your due dates. You can check your account online anytime at
search.ckpl.ca by logging in with your library card number and PIN. You can also sign up for email and
text notifications and to get a reminder 3 days before your item is due. If you're not done with your item, many items can be renewed up to 2 times as long as no one else is waiting.

Need to return something when the library is closed? All 11
CKPL locations have an outside book drop. Items can be returned in the book drop at any time.

If you're unsure about a due date, you can also call during open hours and CKPL staff will be happy to assist you.

How can I pay my fines?

Fines can be paid by cash or cheque at any CKPL branch and by debit at the Chatham branch. Fines of $5 or more can be paid online with Visa, Mastercard or Paypal.

To pay fines online:

Login to your library account at
search.ckpl.ca using your library card number and PIN

Click on your name to view your account and then click Fines/Fees on the left side of the page to see the fines that have posted to your account.

Pay fines by clicking on the Pay Online button.

Select the fines you wish to pay by clicking the check box or click on the "Select All" button to select all fees/fines. Click on "Continue".

Enter your credit card information and click on Pay Now.

When the transaction is completed, a confirmation of payment will be displayed. You can select to print the confirmation. A copy of this confirmation will also be sent to your email associated with your library account.

What will I be charged for lost or damaged items?

Replacement costs will be charged on a cost-recovery basis based on the purchase price of the item when it was acquired by the library. A $5 processing fee will also be added to the replacement charge. CKPL does not accept replacement items in lieu of payment for lost or damaged materials.

What happens if I don't pay my fines?

Fines under $10 will not affect your library privileges. If fines of $10 or more are accumulated, your library privileges will be suspended. If your privileges are suspended, you will not be able to borrow items, renew items, place holds, access virtual collections or log-in to library computers. Privileges will be restored once fines are paid below the $10 threshold.

Unreturned items will be billed to your account once they are 60 days overdue. If the items are not returned after 75 days, CKPL may refer your account to a collections agency in an attempt to recover the materials and fines in a timely manner. If your account is referred to the collections agency, a $15 administrative fee is added to your account.

If your account is referred to the collections agency, your library privileges will be suspended until your account is cleared.

If you have any questions about your account, call or visit any CKPL branch and staff will be happy to assist you.